Power supply control apparatus, image processing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium, and power supply control method

ABSTRACT

A power supply control apparatus includes a transition unit, a detector, a first image capturing unit, a command unit, a second image capturing unit, and an identity recognition unit. The transition unit makes a control target enter a power supply state or a power shutoff state. The detector detects a moving object while the control target is in the power shutoff state. The first image capturing unit captures images of a specific area at the time when the detector detects a moving object. The command unit commands the transition unit to make the control target enter the power supply state in a case where it is determined that the moving object is approaching the control target. The second image capturing unit captures a characteristic image of the moving object that is approaching the control target. The identity recognition unit performs identity recognition in accordance with the characteristic image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2012-228343 filed Oct. 15, 2012.

BACKGROUND

(i) Technical Field

The present invention relates to a power supply control apparatus, animage processing apparatus, a non-transitory computer readable medium,and a power supply control method.

(ii) Related Art

Person presence sensor control is a way to automate power supply savingcontrol for devices that are power supply targets.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a powersupply control apparatus including a transition unit, a detector, afirst image capturing unit, a command unit, a second image capturingunit, and an identity recognition unit. The transition unit makes acontrol target that includes processing units enter a power supply stateor a power shutoff state, power being selectively supplied to theprocessing units in the power supply state. The detector detects amoving object while the control target is in the power shutoff state.The first image capturing unit captures images of a specific area at thetime when the detector detects a moving object. The command unitcommands the transition unit to make the control target enter the powersupply state in a case where it is determined that the moving object isapproaching the control target in accordance with image information ofthe images captured by the first image capturing unit. The second imagecapturing unit captures a characteristic image of the moving object thatis approaching the control target. The identity recognition unitperforms identity recognition for the moving object in accordance withimage information of the characteristic image captured by the secondimage capturing unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating connection in a communication linenetwork that includes image processing apparatuses according to apresent exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an image processing apparatus accordingto the present exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the structure of a control system of theimage processing apparatus according to the present exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a functional structure of acontrol system that includes a main controller and a power-source deviceaccording to the present exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a covering member provided on the frontsurface of a pillar unit according to the present exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an external view illustrating a user interface (UI) touchpanel according to the present exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating a case where a user is facing the UItouch panel, according to the present exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a user isapproaching the image processing apparatus according to the presentexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the image processing apparatus, the plan viewillustrating a detection area of a person presence sensor, a detectionarea of an access camera, and a detection area of a recognition cameraaccording to the present exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the image processing apparatus, the side viewillustrating the detection area of the person presence sensor, thedetection area of the access camera, and the detection area of therecognition camera according to the present exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for monitoring andcontrolling start-up in a sleep mode according to the present exemplaryembodiment;

FIGS. 12A to 12C are plan views of the image processing apparatus, theplan views illustrating a first action flow according to the flowchartof FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13A to 13E are plan views of the image processing apparatus, theplan views illustrating a second action flow according to the flowchartof FIG. 11; and

FIGS. 14A to 14F are plan views of the image processing apparatus, theplan views illustrating a third action flow according to the flowchartof FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 10 according tothe present exemplary embodiment is connected to a network-communicationnetwork 20 such as the Internet. In FIG. 1, two image processingapparatuses 10 are connected to the network-communication network 20;however, the number of image processing apparatuses 10 is not limitedthereto, and may be one or be three or more.

Moreover, plural personal computers (PC) 21 functioning as informationterminal devices are connected to the network-communication network 20.In FIG. 1, two PCs 21 are connected to the network-communication network20; however, the number of PCs 21 is not limited thereto, and may be oneor be three or more. Moreover, the information terminal devices are notlimited to the PCs 21. Additionally, wired connection does notnecessarily need to be used for the network-communication network 20. Inother words, the network-communication network 20 may be a communicationnetwork in which information is partially or entirely transmitted andreceived using wireless connection.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, for each of the image processing apparatuses10, there is a case in which, for example, data is transferred from oneof the PCs 21 to the image processing apparatus 10 and the imageprocessing apparatus 10 is instructed to perform, for example, an imageformation operation (or a print operation) from a remote location.Alternatively, there is a case in which a user stands in front of one ofthe image processing apparatuses 10 and instructs the image processingapparatus 10 to perform processing such as copy processing, imagereading processing (or scan processing), or fax sending and receivingprocessing by performing various types of operations.

FIG. 2 illustrates the image processing apparatus 10 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment.

The image processing apparatus 10 has a housing 10A provided with doorsthat may be opened and closed at positions at which the doors areneeded. For example, a front door 10B is illustrated in FIG. 2; however,doors may also be provided at right and left sides of the housing 10A.The front door 10B is opened in the case where an operator reachesinside the image processing apparatus 10 and does some work, forexample, when a paper jam occurs, consumables are replaced, a periodiccheck is performed, or the like. The front door 10B is normally closedduring operation.

The image processing apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 240that forms an image on a piece of recording paper, an image reading unit238 that reads a document image, and a facsimile communication controlcircuit 236. The image processing apparatus 10 includes a maincontroller 200. The main controller 200 temporarily stores image data ofa document image read by the image reading unit 238 or transmits theread image data to the image forming unit 240 or to the facsimilecommunication control circuit 236 by controlling the image forming unit240, the image reading unit 238, and the facsimile communication controlcircuit 236.

The main controller 200 is connected to the network-communicationnetwork 20 such as the Internet. The facsimile communication controlcircuit 236 is connected to a telephone network 22. The main controller200 is connected to a host computer via, for example, thenetwork-communication network 20 and receives image data. The maincontroller 200 sends and receives a fax via the facsimile communicationcontrol circuit 236 through the telephone network 22.

The image reading unit 238 includes a document plate, a scanning drivesystem, and a photoelectric conversion element. A document is positionedon the document plate. The scanning drive system scans an image formedon the document that is positioned on the document plate and irradiatesthe image with light. The photoelectric conversion element, such as acharge-coupled device (CCD), receives reflected or transmitted light,which is obtained by scanning the image with the scanning drive system,and converts the reflected or transmitted light into an electric signal.

The image forming unit 240 includes a photoconductor drum. Around thephotoconductor drum, a charging device, a scanning exposure section, animage development section, a transfer section, and a cleaning sectionare provided. The charging device uniformly charges the photoconductordrum. The scanning exposure section scans the photoconductor drum byusing a light beam in accordance with image data. The image developmentsection develops an electrostatic latent image that has been formed byscanning the photoconductor drum with the scanning exposure section insuch a manner that the photoconductor drum is exposed to the light beam.The transfer section transfers an image that has been developed on thephotoconductor drum, onto a piece of recording paper. The cleaningsection cleans the surface of the photoconductor drum after transfer isperformed by the transfer section. Furthermore, a fixing section thatfixes the image which has been transferred onto the piece of recodingpaper is provided along a path along which the piece of recording paperis transported.

The image processing apparatus 10 has an input power line 244, and aplug 245 is attached to an end of the input power line 244. The plug 245is inserted into an outlet 243 provided on a wall surface W and wiredinto a commercial power source 242, so that the image processingapparatus 10 receives power from the commercial power source 242.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a hardware configuration of a controlsystem of the image processing apparatus 10.

The main controller 200 is connected to the network-communicationnetwork 20. The facsimile communication control circuit 236, the imagereading unit 238, the image forming unit 240, and a UI touch panel 216are connected to the main controller 200 via buses 33A to 33D,respectively, such as data buses and control buses. In other words, themain controller 200 controls the individual processing units of theimage processing apparatus 10. Note that a backlight unit 216BL (seeFIG. 4) for UI touch panels may be attached to the UI touch panel 216.

Furthermore, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a power-sourcedevice 202, and the power-source device 202 is connected to the maincontroller 200 via a harness 33E. The power-source device 202 receivespower from the commercial power source 242. The power-source device 202is provided with power supply lines 35A to 35D, which are independent ofone another. Power is supplied to the facsimile communication controlcircuit 236, the image reading unit 238, the image forming unit 240, andthe UI touch panel 216 through the power supply lines 35A to 35D,respectively. Accordingly, the main controller 200 may control powersupply so as to selectively supply power to the individual processingunits (devices) (while the image processing apparatus 10 is in apower-supply mode) or so as to selectively stop supplying power to theindividual processing units (devices) (while the image processingapparatus 10 is in a sleep mode). As a result, what is called partialpower saving control may be realized.

Moreover, plural sensors (a first sensor 28, a second sensor 29, and athird sensor 30) are connected to the main controller 200 and monitorwhether there is a person in the surrounding area of the imageprocessing apparatus 10. The first sensor 28, the second sensor 29, andthe third sensor 30 will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a configuration that mainly shows theprocessing units (which may be referred to as “loads”, “devices”,“modules”, or the like), the main controller 200, and power lines of thepower-source device 202. The processing units may be operated byreceiving power and are controlled by the main controller 200. Power issupplied to the individual devices through the power lines. In thepresent exemplary embodiment, power may be selectively supplied to theindividual processing units on a processing-unit-by-processing-unitbasis in the image processing apparatus 10 (partial power saving).

Note that partial power saving performed on aprocessing-unit-by-processing-unit basis is an example. The processingunits may be divided into groups, and power saving may be controlled ona group-by-group basis. Alternatively, the processing units may begrouped together, and power saving may be controlled.

Moreover, partial power saving is also performed for the main controller200. In the case where power saving is being performed for all theprocessing units, a monitoring controller 24, which will be describedbelow (see FIG. 4), receives the bare minimum amount of power and nopower is supplied to the other devices controlled by the main controller200. (This state may also be referred to as a “power saving mode” or the“sleep mode”.)

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the main controller 200 includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 204, a random-access memory (RAM) 206, a read-onlymemory (ROM) 208, an input/output (I/O) unit 210, and a bus 212 thatincludes data busses, control busses, and the like. The CPU 204, the RAM206, the ROM 208, the I/O unit 210, and the main controller 200 areconnected to one another via the bus 212. The UI touch panel 216(including the backlight unit 216BL) is connected via a UI controlcircuit 214 to the I/O unit 210. In addition, a hard disk drive (HDD)218 is connected to the I/O unit 210. The CPU 204 operates in accordancewith programs stored on the ROM 208, the HDD 218, or the like, andconsequently, the functions of the main controller 200 are realized.Note that the programs may be installed from a recording medium (such asa compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-ray Disc(BD), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, or a Secure Digital (SD)memory) on which the programs are stored. The CPU 204 may operate inaccordance with the installed programs, and consequently, an imageprocessing function may be realized.

A timer circuit 220, a communication line interface (I/F) 222, thefacsimile communication control circuit (modem) 236, the image readingunit 238, and the image forming unit 240 are also connected to the I/Ounit 210.

Note that the timer circuit 220 measures elapsed time, which is used tocause the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image readingunit 238, and the image forming unit 240 to be in a power saving state(a power-supply shutoff state). (Hereinafter, the timer circuit 220 mayalso be referred to as a “system timer”.)

Power is supplied from the power-source device 202 to the maincontroller 200 and the individual devices (the facsimile communicationcontrol circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the image formingunit 240) (see dotted lines in FIG. 4). Note that, in FIG. 4, each powerline is represented by a single line (dotted line); however, in the casewhere the polarity and the like are controlled by the main controller200, in reality, the power line often physically contains two or threelines.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the input power line 244, which is routed fromthe commercial power source 242, is connected to a main switch 246. Whenthe main switch 246 is turned on, power may be supplied to a firstpower-source unit 248 and a second power-source unit 250.

The first power-source unit 248 includes a control-power generatingsection 248A. The control-power generating section 248A is connected toa power-supply control circuit 252 of the main controller 200. Thepower-supply control circuit 252 receives power for the main controller200 and is connected to the I/O unit 210. The power-supply controlcircuit 252 performs, in accordance with a control program for the maincontroller 200, switching control for supplying or shutting off powerthrough the power supply lines at least to the individual devices (thefacsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238,and the image forming unit 240).

In contrast, a power line 254 connected to the second power-source unit250 is provided with a first sub-power-source switch 256 (hereinaftermay also be referred to as a “SW-1”). The SW-1 is controlled to beOn/Off by the power-supply control circuit 252. That is, when the SW-1is Off, the second power-source unit 250 does not work. (The individualunits downstream of the “SW-1” are in the state of zero powerconsumption).

The second power-source unit 250 includes a 24-V power supply section250H (LVPS2) and a 5-V power supply section 250L (LVPS1). The 24-V powersupply section 250H (LVPS2) is a power source that is mainly used, forexample, for motors.

The 24-V power supply section 250H (LVPS2) of the second power-sourceunit 250 is connected to a power supply unit 258 for the image readingunit 238, a power supply unit 260 for the image forming unit 240, apower supply unit 264 for the facsimile communication control circuit236, and a power supply unit 266 for the UI touch panel 216. The 5-Vpower supply section 250L (LVPS1) of the second power-source unit 250 isconnected to the power supply unit 260 for the image forming unit 240,the power supply unit 264 for the facsimile communication controlcircuit 236, and the power supply unit 266 for the UI touch panel 216.

The power supply unit 258 for the image reading unit 238 uses the 24-Vpower supply section 250H (LVPS2) as an input source, and is connectedto the image reading unit 238 via a second sub-power-source switch 268(hereinafter may be referred to as a “SW-2”).

The power supply unit 260 for the image forming unit 240 uses the 24-Vpower supply section 250H (LVPS2) and the 5-V power supply section 250L(LVPS1) as input sources, and is connected to the image forming unit 240via a third sub-power-source switch 270 (hereinafter may be referred toas a “SW-3”).

The power supply unit 264 for the facsimile communication controlcircuit 236 uses the 24-V power supply section 250H (LVPS2) and the 5-Vpower supply section 250L (LVPS1) as input sources, and is connected tothe facsimile communication control circuit 236 via a fourthsub-power-source switch 274 (hereinafter may be referred to as a“SW-4”).

The power supply unit 266 for the UI touch panel 216 uses the 5-V powersupply section 250L (LVPS1) and the 24-V power supply section 250H(LVPS2) as input sources, and is connected to the UI touch panel 216(including the backlight unit 216BL) via a fifth sub-power-source switch276 (hereinafter may be referred to as a “SW-5”). Note that power may besupplied for fundamental functions of the UI touch panel 216 (thefundamental functions excluding the functions regarding the backlightunit 216BL) from the monitoring controller 24.

As in the case of the first sub-power-source switch 256, each of thesecond sub-power-source switch 268, the third sub-power-source switch270, the fourth sub-power-source switch 274, and the fifthsub-power-source switch 276 is controlled to be On/Off in accordancewith a power-supply selection signal supplied from the power-supplycontrol circuit 252 of the main controller 200. Although notillustrated, switches and wiring lines that are used to supply powerfrom the 24-V power supply section 250H and the 5-V power supply section250L form two channels. Furthermore, each of the second sub-power-sourceswitch 268, the third sub-power-source switch 270, the fourthsub-power-source switch 274, and the fifth sub-power-source switch 276may be arranged in a corresponding one of the individual devices towhich power is to be supplied, instead of being arranged in thepower-source device 202. Power supplied from the commercial power source242 (for example, 100 V) is directly supplied from the downstream sideof the first sub-power-source switch 256 (“SW-1”) to the fixing section,which is not illustrated in FIG. 4 and corresponds to a “Fuser”illustrated in FIG. 3, of the image forming unit 240. The fixing sectionis electrically connected only when the image forming unit 240 needs thefixing section.

In the above-described configuration, power supplied from the powersources is selectively supplied to the individual devices (the facsimilecommunication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and theimage forming unit 240) for realizing a specified function. Since poweris not supplied to devices that are not necessary for the specifiedfunction, power consumption may be minimized.

Here, in some cases, the main controller 200 in the present exemplaryembodiment may partially stop the functions thereof (partial powersaving) in order to realize minimum power consumption. In some cases,power supply is shut off to the greater part of the main controller 200in addition to processing units. Such cases are collectively referred toas the “sleep mode” (the power saving mode).

The image processing apparatus 10 may enter the sleep mode, for example,by activating the system timer at a point in time when image processingfinishes. In other words, power supply is stopped after a predeterminedtime has elapsed since activation of the system timer. Note that, when acertain operation is performed (for example, a hard key is operated)before the predetermined time elapses, as a matter of course,measurement of the predetermined time with the system timer for enteringthe sleep mode is stopped, and the system timer is activated at a pointin time when the next image processing finishes.

In contrast, the monitoring controller 24 (see FIG. 4) is an elementthat constantly receives power even when the image processing apparatus10 is in the sleep mode. The monitoring controller 24 is connected tothe I/O unit 210. The monitoring controller 24 may include, for example,an integrated circuit (IC) chip, which is referred to as an“application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)”, in which an operationprogram is stored, and which includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and so forthby which the operation program is performed.

When monitoring is being performed while the image processing apparatus10 is in the sleep mode, for example, a print request may be receivedvia a communication-line detector or a facsimile (FAX) reception requestmay be received via a FAX line detector. In such a case, the monitoringcontroller 24 causes power to be supplied to the devices for which powersaving is being performed, by controlling the first sub-power-sourceswitch 256, the second sub-power-source switch 268, the thirdsub-power-source switch 270, the fourth sub-power-source switch 274, andthe fifth sub-power-source switch 276 via the power-supply controlcircuit 252.

A power-saving control button 26 is connected to the I/O unit 210 of themain controller 200. Power saving mode may be cancelled if a useroperates the power-saving control button 26 while power saving is beingperformed. Note that the power-saving control button 26 may also have afunction of forcibly shutting off power supply to processing units andcausing the processing units to be in the power-saving state when thepower-saving control button 26 is operated while power is being suppliedto the processing units.

Here, it is desirable that the bare minimum amount of power foroperation be supplied to the power-saving control button 26 andindividual detectors in addition to the monitoring controller 24 whilepower saving is being performed, in order to perform monitoring whilethe image processing apparatus 10 is in the sleep mode. In other words,even when the image processing apparatus 10 is in the sleep mode, whichis a non-power-supply state, the power-saving control button 26 and theindividual detectors in addition to the monitoring controller 24 mayreceive power whose amount is equal to or lower than a predeterminedvalue (for example, 0.5 W or lower) and that is necessary to performdetermination control as to whether power is to be supplied or not. Inthis case, the power supply source is not limited to the commercialpower source 242, and may be a storage battery, a solar battery, arechargeable battery that is recharged when power is supplied from thecommercial power source 242, or the like. The commercial powerconsumption (or power expenses) while the image processing apparatus 10is in the sleep mode may be zero by using no commercial power source242.

Note that, in a specific time period while the image processingapparatus 10 is in the sleep mode, the bare minimum amount of power foroperation may be mainly supplied to an input system such as the UI touchpanel 216 and an IC card reader 217. In this case, it is desirable thatthe backlight unit 216BL be turned off or the illumination thereof bereduced to be lower than in a normal mode.

In a case where a user who stands in front of the image processingapparatus 10 operates the power-saving control button 26 during thesleep mode and power supply is restarted, there may be a case where acertain period of time is required for start-up of the image processingapparatus 10.

Thus, the first sensor 28 is connected to the monitoring controller 24in the present exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, power supply isstarted early upon detection performed by the first sensor 28 before auser operates (or, for example, presses) the power-saving control button26, and consequently, the user may use the image processing apparatus 10earlier than the case where power supply is started upon operation ofthe power-saving control button 26 performed by the user.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a person presence sensor may beused as the first sensor 28 because the first sensor 28 senses movementof moving objects including a user. Hereinafter, the first sensor 28 isreferred to as a “person presence sensor 28”.

The term person presence sensor 28 contains the words “person presence”.This is an appropriate name for use in the present exemplary embodiment,and it is desirable that the person presence sensor 28 be capable ofsensing (or detecting) at least persons. In other words, the personpresence sensor 28 may sense moving objects other than a person. Thus,in the following, there may be a case where what the person presencesensor 28 detects is referred to as a person; however, animals, robots,and the like that execute a requested order instead of a person will befuture detection targets. Note that, in contrast, if there are sensorsthat are capable of detecting and identifying a person, such a specialsensor may be used as the person presence sensor 28. In the following, amoving object, a person, a user, and the like are considered to be thesame in terms of a detection target, which is to be detected by theperson presence sensor 28, and are considered to be different from oneanother as necessary.

According to the specifications of the person presence sensor 28according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first sensor 28detects movement of a moving object in the surrounding area of the imageprocessing apparatus 10. In this case, a representative example of theperson presence sensor 28 is an infrared radiation sensor (apyroelectric type sensor) using a pyroelectric effect of a pyroelectricelement. In the present exemplary embodiment, a pyroelectric type sensoris used as the person presence sensor 28.

The greatest feature of a sensor using a pyroelectric effect of apyroelectric element, the sensor being used as the person presencesensor 28, is that power consumption is lower and a detection area isbroader than, for example, those of a reflex sensor provided with aprojection section and a reception section. Since the person presencesensor 28 detects movement of a moving object, the person presencesensor 28 does not detect presence of a person when the person staysstill even though the person is in the detection area. For example,there is a case where a high-level signal is output when a person ismoving. When the person stays still in the detection area, thehigh-level signal becomes a low-level signal.

Note that “still” in the present exemplary embodiment includes not onlya notion of absolute standstill as in still images taken by stillcameras or the like but also a case where, for example, a person stopsin front of the image processing apparatus 10 so as to performoperation. Thus, “still” in the present exemplary embodiment alsoincludes a case where a person moves slightly (for example, due tobreathing) within a predetermined range and a case where a person movesarms, legs, the neck, or the like within a predetermined range.

Note that, when a person performs stretching exercise or the like infront of the image processing apparatus 10 while the person is waitingfor, for example, the completion of image forming processing, imagereading processing, or the like, the person presence sensor 28 maydetect the presence of the person.

Thus, the sensitivity of the person presence sensor 28 does not have tobe adjusted by defining what is considered to be “still”, and may beadjusted relatively roughly and in a standard manner so as to depend onthe sensitivity characteristics of the person presence sensor 28. Thatis, when the person presence sensor 28 outputs one of binary signals(for example, a high-level signal), this means that a person is presentin the detection area and the person is moving. When the other one ofthe binary signals (for example, a low-level signal) is output, thismeans “still”.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the person presence sensor 28detects the moving object, power supply to the second sensor 29 isstarted. The second sensor 29 is connected to the monitoring controller24. The second sensor 29 is in the power-supply shutoff state while theimage processing apparatus 10 is in the sleep mode; however, power issupplied thereto when the person presence sensor 28 detects a movingobject.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a sensor with a camera function fordetecting movement information on a moving object (a user) (includingdistance information regarding how far or near the moving object is andmovement direction information) is used as the second sensor 29.Hereinafter, the second sensor 29 is referred to as an “access camera29”.

The access camera 29 captures images with which at least the transitionof the position of the moving object may be recognized. Note that, whenthe position of a moving object is detected, if the moving object emitsa signal, a radar unit may be used as the access camera 29; however,description will be made on the assumption that the moving object in thepresent exemplary embodiment emits no signal.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when it is determined, by using theaccess camera 29, that the moving object is approaching the imageprocessing apparatus 10, especially the UI touch panel 216, for example,shifting from the sleep mode to a specific mode (in which power issupplied to the main controller 200, the UI touch panel 216, and thethird sensor 30) is triggered. Note that the backlight unit 216BL, whichis turned off when the user is approaching, may be turned on when theuser is facing the UI touch panel 216.

Moreover, “confirmation” that a user is approaching the UI touch panel216 is performed also when it is “predicted” that the user isapproaching the UI touch panel 216. Thus, such a “confirmation” is madealso in the case where the user makes a U-turn and does not face the UItouch panel 216 in the end.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in the case where the access camera29 detects that the moving object is approaching and it is predictedthat the moving object will soon face the UI touch panel 216 through theaccess function of the access camera 29, power supply to the thirdsensor 30 is started. The third sensor 30 is connected to the I/O unit210 of the main controller 200.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a sensor with a camera functionthat is used to detect identity recognition information for a user isused as the third sensor 30. Hereinafter, the third sensor 30 isreferred to as a “recognition camera 30”.

The recognition camera 30 detects identity recognition information on auser. For example, the access camera 29 captures an image of acharacteristic part of the user such as the face or the like. The maincontroller 200 performs verification and analysis in accordance with theinformation of the characteristics of the image of a face or the likecaptured by the recognition camera 30, by using an image databaseregarding the characteristics of faces that have been stored in advanceon the ROM 208 or the HDD 218. As a result, for example, identityauthentication is performed for the user or a personalized screen forthe user is automatically displayed on an operation panel by linkinginformation of the characteristics of the user to the personalizedscreen. Thus, authentication operation and operation for searchinginformation on the user are made simpler, and the user is free fromcomplicated operation through buttons. Therefore, pleasant and lessoperation procedures may be realized.

That is, a moving object that is approaching the image processingapparatus 10 is detected through the function of the access camera 29,and the identity of the moving object is authenticated through thefunction of the recognition camera 30 in the present exemplaryembodiment. However, a moving object that is approaching the imageprocessing apparatus 10 may be detected and the identity of the movingobject may be authenticated through the function of the access camera29, and a UI screen appropriate for the authenticated moving object maybe selected or the like and pleasant and less operation procedures maybe realized through the function of the recognition camera 30.

The identity recognition information is used to determine whether theuser has the right to access the image processing apparatus 10, todetermine which types of device or the like are to be used, and tocontrol the operation of the image processing apparatus 10.

For example, the identification information on the user, which is theidentity recognition information, is registered in advance together witha corresponding job type from the PC 21 on the desk of the user. Afteran image of a face or the like of the user is captured, thecorresponding job type may be specified by executing authenticationprocessing in accordance with information of the image of a face and byverifying the identification information obtained from the informationof the image of the face against the identification information that hasbeen registered together with the corresponding job type.

Note that what is captured by the recognition camera 30 is not limitedto the image of a face of a user 60. An image of bar codes or QuickResponse (QR) Code (registered trademark) of an item (an ID card ordocuments) that the user 60 has or carries may be captured and used toperform verification.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the person presence sensor 28 and the accesscamera 29 are provided on a pillar unit 50 on the housing 10A of theimage processing apparatus 10. The pillar unit 50 has a verticallyelongated rectangular shape. Moreover, the recognition camera 30 isprovided near the UI touch panel 216.

The pillar unit 50 is provided so as to connect an upper housing thatmainly covers the image reading unit 238 and a lower housing that coversmainly the image forming unit 240. The pillar unit 50 has a columnshape. In the pillar unit 50, a recording paper transport system and thelike, not illustrated, are installed. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of thepillar unit 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the pillar unit 50 has a cover member 52 onthe front surface thereof. The cover member 52 covers the pillar unit 50as an aesthetic element and has a vertically elongated rectangularshape.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the top end portion of the cover member 52 hasa slit opening 55, which is vertically long. The access camera 29 isprovided at the back side of the slit opening 55. Although notillustrated, a concealing member whose transmittance is relatively low(whose transmittance is 50% or lower) is placed in the slit opening 55.This concealing member conceals the access camera 29, and consequently,it is harder to see the access camera 29 from the outside. Thisconcealing member is provided as an aesthetic element, and the detectionfunction of the access camera 29 is basically maintained.

There is a space between the bottom surface of the cover member 52 andthe top surface of the lower housing. The bottom end portion of thecover member 52 is chamfered and has what is called a chamfered shape,which is a chamfered surface 52A. A through hole 57 is provided on thechamfered surface 52A.

The person presence sensor 28 is provided on the side behind the throughhole 57 (at the back side of the cover member 52). Thus, the throughhole 57 functions as a monitor window through which the person presencesensor 28 detects a moving object.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a recognition camera unit 40 is provided at aposition next to and to the left of the UI touch panel 216 in the imageprocessing apparatus 10.

In the recognition camera unit 40, a lens of the recognition camera 30is exposed at the surface of a base unit 42. The lens is provided at aposition from which an image is optically formed on an image pickupdevice (not illustrated) provided under the base unit 42.

An adjustment unit 44 is provided under (the lens of) the recognitioncamera 30 in the base unit 42. The adjustment unit 44 has, for example,the shape of a directional pad. The optical axis of the lens of therecognition camera 30 may be mechanically adjusted vertically andhorizontally by performing a vertical or horizontal operation using theadjustment unit 44. Note that the adjustment unit 44 is not alwaysnecessary and the image pickup area of the lens may be fixed.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the optical axis of the recognition camera 30is adjusted by using the adjustment unit 44 or is adjusted to be at afixed standard position before shipment of the recognition camera 30 insuch a manner that an image of a face of a user who will soon face or isfacing the UI touch panel 216 of the image processing apparatus 10 maybe captured.

Moreover, an image capturing timing of the recognition camera 30 iscontrolled so as to cooperate with the person presence sensor 28 and theaccess camera 29. That is, power supply to the recognition camera 30 isshut off at least while the image processing apparatus 10 is in thesleep mode. Here, in the case where a moving object is detected by theperson presence sensor 28 and it is predicted by using the access camera29 that the user 60 will soon face the UI touch panel 216 while theimage processing apparatus 10 is in the sleep mode, power is supplied tothe recognition camera 30 and capturing of specific images is started.

By analyzing a specific image captured by the recognition camera 30, itis determined whether the user 60 will soon face the UI touch panel 216.The specific image is analyzed to perform face recognition for the user60. The main controller 200 performs identity recognition for the user60 who will soon face the UI touch panel 216 by using the recognitioncamera 30. In the case where the user 60 is identified, control of powersupply to the individual devices of the image processing apparatus 10 isexecuted.

In contrast, for example, in the case where it is not confirmed that theuser 60 will soon face the UI touch panel 216, power supply to therecognition camera 30 may be shut off in accordance with a time periodduring which it is not confirmed that the user 60 will soon face the UItouch panel 216.

The access camera 29 and the recognition camera 30 detect, in thesurrounding area of the image processing apparatus 10, presence of amoving object, the shape (outline) of the moving object, information onmovement of the moving object in time series, and the like. For example,an image sensor (a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor or acomplementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor) may be usedas the access camera 29 and the recognition camera 30.

Image sensors are general sensors used to capture moving images, andthus detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Briefly, animage sensor has a structure as described below.

An image sensor is made mainly from a semiconductor device using asilicon monocrystal. The number of free electrons (or signal charges)that are generated due to the photoelectric effect is measured and theamount of light that has hit the image sensor is recognized. As a systemthat holds the generated signal charges, a photodiode is mainly used.

When a color image sensor is used, differences in brightness may beobtained from the amount of the signal charges from the photodiode butdifferences between colors are not obtained from the amount of thesignal charges from the photodiode. Thus, pixels are equipped with colorfilters, and the color filter of each pixel passes light having aspecific color corresponding to the color filter.

For example, color filters are arranged in a Bayer pattern for pixels inan image sensor for digital cameras. The three primary colors are red,green, and blue. Red, green, and blue filters are used as the colorfilters. The number of green filters used is twice the number of the redor blue filters. This is because the human eye is more sensitive togreen light than to light of the other colors. (We perceive green lightto be brightest even when red, blue, and green light have the sameenergy.) This makes the resolution of the captured image higher.

In contrast, image sensors (a CCD camera or the like) used as the accesscamera 29 and the recognition camera 30 in the present exemplaryembodiment do not have to be adjusted in accordance with the sensitivityof the human eye. In other words, in the case where an image sensor isused as the access camera 29, the arrangement of color filters isdetermined in accordance with what is analyzed on the basis of an outputsignal supplied from the access camera 29 and the image sensor isadjusted in accordance with the specifications of the access camera 29.The same applies to the case where an image sensor is used as therecognition camera 30.

As the specifications of the access camera 29, it is desirable that theresolution of the access camera 29 be at a level at which the course ofa moving object that is approaching the image processing apparatus 10 isunderstandable and the field of view (the image capturing area) of theaccess camera 29 needs to be broader (or especially has a wider angle)than that of the person presence sensor 28.

For example, the person presence sensor 28 has a detection area F thatis fixed at an angle inclined downward (in the direction toward thefloor surface on which the image processing apparatus 10 is installed)and has an angle of view set to about 100° to 120°. The reason that thedetection area F is fixed at an angle inclined downward (in a downwarddirection) is to limit the detection distance and to avoid unnecessarystart-up (power supply) while the image processing apparatus 10 is inthe sleep mode. The reason that the angle of view is set to about 100°to 120° is to avoid detection of a moving object that passes in thesurrounding area of the image processing apparatus 10.

In contrast, by limiting the detection area F, there is a case in whichthe positions of all the users who operate the image processingapparatus 10 near the image processing apparatus 10 are not detected,after power is supplied. For example, a user who operates at a finisherportion positioned at an end of the image processing apparatus 10 in thelateral direction is outside the detection area F of the person presencesensor 28, and the image processing apparatus 10 may enter the sleepmode while the user is operating the image processing apparatus 10.Thus, a dead-angle area of the person presence sensor 28 is compensatedby utilizing the access camera 29.

As the specifications of the recognition camera 30, for example, facerecognition may be performed for a user who will soon face the imageprocessing apparatus 10, instead of performing IC card authentication,which is an identity recognition function. In the case where the imageof a face captured by the recognition camera 30 is recognized throughverification performed by using a face image database, power is suppliedto necessary devices, which may be all the devices. The face recognitionis performed using a filter structure (a filter structure with whichmainly the outline of the face, the eyes, the nose, the mouth, and thelike are clearly detected).

In the present exemplary embodiment, information output from therecognition camera 30 is analyzed mainly for face identification;however, a filter structure that makes it possible to detect an ID cardthat has been recently steadily carried by a user (for example, an IDcard worn around the neck of a user, an ID card clipped to a user'sbreast pocket, or the like) or a filter structure that makes reading ofbar codes on an ID card easier may be used.

In addition, as another example, in the case where devices that areneeded to start up are determined in accordance with the type ofdocument that a user approaching the image processing apparatus 10 has,a filter structure that makes determination of the type of documenteasier may be used. For example, in the case where the format of a faxcover sheet is recognized, the following may be performed: devices thatare necessary for fax transmission start up, the display content on theUI touch panel 216 is determined by identifying whether the document isblack and white or color, and the like.

FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate an example of comparison between the detectionarea F of the person presence sensor 28, a detection area R of theaccess camera 29, and a detection area La of the recognition camera 30.

The detection area F in FIG. 8 is the detection area for the personpresence sensor 28. As described above, the detection area F of theperson presence sensor 28 has a wide angle of about 100° to 120° andfaces toward the floor surface on which the image processing apparatus10 is installed.

In contrast, an area defined by a dotted line in FIG. 8 is the detectionarea R of the access camera 29. It is clear that the detection area R ofthe access camera 29 covers an area that the detection area F of theperson presence sensor 28 does not cover.

The area represented by arrows La drawn with a dotted line, the centerline of the area being the optical axis L, in FIG. 7 is the detectionarea La (an image capturing area) of the recognition camera 30. Therecognition camera 30 captures an image of a face of the user 60 in thecase where the user 60 will soon face or is facing the UI touch panel216.

In the following, the operation according to the present exemplaryembodiment will be described.

The operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 shifts to thesleep mode when no processing is being performed. In the presentexemplary embodiment, power is supplied only to the monitoringcontroller 24.

Here, when start-up is triggered (when it is predicted that a user isapproaching the image processing apparatus 10 by using the access camera29, when an operation for canceling the power saving mode is performed,or when an input operation (for example, a key input operation) isperformed on the UI touch panel 216 or the like), the main controller200, the UI touch panel 216, and the recognition camera 30 start up. Forexample, in the case where a user who has been authenticated throughface recognition and may access the image processing apparatus 10 inputsa job (by using keys) from the UI touch panel 216 or the like, the imageprocessing apparatus 10 enters a warm-up mode in accordance with thetype of job.

When a warm-up operation ends in the warm-up mode, the image processingapparatus 10 enters a standby mode or a running mode.

In the standby mode, the image processing apparatus 10 is literally in amode in which the image processing apparatus 10 is ready for operation.The image processing apparatus 10 is in a state in which the imageprocessing apparatus 10 may perform operation for image processing atany time.

Thus, a job execution operation is commanded through a key inputoperation, the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10shifts to the running mode and image processing according to thecommanded job is executed.

When the image processing ends (or when all sequential jobs end in thecase where sequential and plural jobs are waiting in a queue), thistriggers standby and the operation state of the image processingapparatus 10 shifts to the standby mode.

When a job is commanded to be executed while the image processingapparatus 10 is in the standby mode, the operation state of the imageprocessing apparatus 10 shifts to the running mode again. In contrast,for example, in the case where it is detected that the user is away fromthe image processing apparatus 10 (or it is predicted that the user willsoon be away from the image processing apparatus 10) by using the accesscamera 29 or in the case where a predetermined time has elapsed, theoperation state of the image processing apparatus 10 shifts to the sleepmode.

In the present exemplary embodiment, control of power supply is executedin such a manner that the person presence sensor 28, the access camera29, and the recognition camera 30 cooperate with each other. Morespecifically, power is constantly supplied to the person presence sensor28; however, control is performed in accordance with detectioninformation supplied from the person presence sensor 28 in such a mannerthat power is sequentially supplied to the access camera 29 and to therecognition camera 30. This further contributes to energy saving inaddition to control of power supply to devices.

In the following, a power-supply control routine, in which the personpresence sensor 28, the access camera 29, and the recognition camera 30cooperate with each other, will be described in accordance with aflowchart illustrated in FIG. 11.

The processing procedures illustrated in FIG. 11 are executed when theimage processing apparatus 10 enters the sleep mode. While the imageprocessing apparatus 10 is in the sleep mode, no power is supplied tothe greater part of the main controller 200, the UI touch panel 216,various devices, the access camera 29, and the recognition camera 30.(That is, the greater part of the main controller 200, the UI touchpanel 216, the various devices, and the access camera 29 are in thepower-supply shutoff state.) In contrast, power is supplied to themonitoring controller 24 and the person presence sensor 28 in the maincontroller 200. (That is, the monitoring controller 24 and the personpresence sensor 28 are in the power supply state.) The power is about,for example, 0.5 W. (The power here corresponds to “LEVEL 1” in FIG.11).

In step S100, it is determined whether the person presence sensor 28detects a moving object. If YES in step S100, the procedure proceeds tostep S102. In step S102, the access camera 29 is started up. After theaccess camera 29 is started up, the power becomes larger than LEVEL 1.(The power in step S102 corresponds to “LEVEL 2” in FIG. 11.)

In step S104, the direction in which the moving object is moving isdetermined in accordance with images captured by the access camera 29.As the direction in which the moving object is moving, the direction inwhich the moving object is expected to move is determined by recognizingat least the form of a person and by detecting the orientation of theperson and the orientation of the face of the person. (Thisdetermination is performed by image analysis.)

In step S106, it is determined whether it is predicted that the movingobject (the user 60) is approaching the image processing apparatus 10 bythe image analysis based on the images captured by the access camera 29.The reason that the determination in step S106 is made on the basis of“prediction” is that the determination is made assuming that the user 60will soon move straight in the direction determined in step S104. Forexample, the moving object may change its course with respect to thedirection determined in step S104 (that is, the moving object may turnright/left, make a U-turn, or the like). This is why the determinationin step S106 is made on the basis of “prediction”.

If NO in step S106, that is, when it is predicted that the moving objectis not moving toward the image processing apparatus 10, the procedureproceeds to step S108. In step S108, power supply to the access camera29 is shut off, and the procedure returns to step S100. In this case,the power shifts from LEVEL 2 to LEVEL 1.

In step S106, NO is obtained when the moving object detected by theperson presence sensor 28 is, for example, a moving object that simplypasses by the image processing apparatus 10. In the case where such amoving object is already away from the image processing apparatus 10,step S100 is repeatedly performed. In contrast, in the case the movingobject stays but stops moving in the detection area of the personpresence sensor 28 (the detection area F illustrated in FIG. 7), theaccess camera 29 is started up again.

Note that a delay time may be set before power supply to the accesscamera 29 is shut off in step S108, and image analysis of the movingobject in the direction of movement may be continued during the delaytime after the procedure returns to step S100. This makes it possible tocompensate the dead-angle area of the person presence sensor 28.

If YES in step S106, that is, when it is predicted that the movingobject is moving toward the image processing apparatus 10 (or it ispredicted that the moving object is approaching the image processingapparatus 10), the procedure proceeds to step S110. In step S110, poweris supplied to the main controller 200, the UI touch panel 216, and therecognition camera 30. As a result, the power becomes larger than LEVEL2. (The power in step S110 corresponds to “LEVEL 3” in FIG. 11.)

In step S112, capturing of images is started by using the recognitioncamera 30. Then, the procedure proceeds to step S114. In step S114, itis determined whether the moving object (the user 60) is stillapproaching the image processing apparatus 10. This is because themoving object is once moving toward the image processing apparatus 10but later may change its course. If NO in step S114, the procedureproceeds to step S116. In step S116, power supply to the UI touch panel216 and the recognition camera 30 is shut off. Then, the procedurereturns to step S104. In this case, the power shifts from LEVEL 3 toLEVEL 2.

If YES in step S114, the procedure proceeds to step S118. In step S118,it is determined whether the user 60 will soon face the UI touch panel216 or not. That is, it may be determined whether or not the user 60will soon face the UI touch panel 216, by analyzing of an image(especially, an image of a face) of the user 60 captured by therecognition camera 30.

If NO in step S118, that is, when it is determined that capturing of animage (or an image of a face) of the user 60 is unsuccessful, theprocedure proceeds to step S120. In step S120, it is determined whethera predetermined time has elapsed or not. If NO in step S120, theprocedure returns to step S114. Then, the above-described processingprocedures (steps S114, S118, and S120) are repeated.

If YES in step S120, it is understood that the predetermined time haselapsed in a state in which the user 60 is approaching the imageprocessing apparatus 10 but does not face the UI touch panel 216. Then,the procedure proceeds to step S116. In step S116, power supply to theUI touch panel 216 and the recognition camera 30 is shut off. Then, theprocedure returns to step S104. In this case, the power shifts fromLEVEL 3 to LEVEL 2.

Here, YES is obtained in step S120, for example, in a state in which theuser 60 is waiting for a printout that has been commanded from the PC 21or the like on the desk of the user 60 at a position that is shiftedfrom the front side of the image processing apparatus 10 (that is, at aposition near the paper outlet tray), in a state in which the user 60 isworking near the image processing apparatus 10 in order to replaceconsumables such as toner or recording paper, or the like.

On the other hand, if YES in step S118, that is, when it is determinedthat capturing of, for example, an image of a face of the user 60 issuccessful and the user 60 will soon face the UI touch panel 216, theprocedure proceeds to step S122. In step S122, identity recognitionprocessing (or authentication processing) is executed. In the identityrecognition processing, the captured image of a face is analyzed andcompared with data stored in the face image database stored on the ROM208 or the HDD 218 in the main controller 200, and it is determinedwhether or not the user 60 is a user with the right to use the imageprocessing apparatus 10.

Note that information used for the authentication processing is notlimited to images of faces. Identification information of the bar code,the QR Code (registered trademark), or the like of an ID card or adocument carried by the user 60 may be read and authenticationprocessing may be performed.

In step S124, the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 iscontrolled in a management manner determined in accordance with theresult of the identity recognition. That is, when the user 60 is anauthenticated user, power is supplied to the devices including, as themain part, the image reading unit 238 and the image forming unit 240.When the user 60 is not an authenticated user, a reason or the like whythe user 60 has not been authenticated is displayed on the UI touchpanel 216. When power is supplied to the devices as described above, thepower becomes larger than LEVEL 3. (The power in step S124 correspondsto “LEVEL 4” in FIG. 11.)

When the user 60 is an authenticated user and when, for example, theuser 60 has registered a job in advance, power may be supplied only tothe devices necessary for the job. The power at LEVEL 4 changes inaccordance with the types of device and the number of devices to whichpower is supplied; however, the power at LEVEL 4 is larger than thepower at LEVEL 3.

FIGS. 12A to 14F are examples of action patterns according to theflowchart illustrated in FIG. 11. Note that symbols S1 to S4 illustratedin FIGS. 12A to 14F denote steps that correspond to some of the steps inFIG. 11, and “Y” or “N” at the end of each symbol represents YES or NOin the step corresponding to the symbol.

Here, there are relationships between the symbols S1 to S4 and some ofthe steps in FIG. 11 as follows: the symbols S1, S2, S3, and S4correspond to steps S100, S106, S114, and S118 in FIG. 11, respectively.FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate, in the simplest manner, a transitiondiagram of power supply states of the person presence sensor 28, accesscamera 29, and recognition camera 30 when the user 60 is approaching theimage processing apparatus 10.

In FIG. 12A, power is supplied only to the person presence sensor 28.The user 60 is outside the detection area F of the person presencesensor 28, and the person presence sensor 28 has not yet detected amoving object (NO in step S100 or “S1N”).

FIG. 12B illustrates a state in which the user 60 (drawn with solidlines) enters the detection area F of the person presence sensor 28. Atthis point in time, the person presence sensor 28 detects a movingobject, which is the user 60 (YES in step S100 or “S1Y”). Thus, power issupplied to the access camera 29.

Images of the user 60 are captured by the access camera 29 and theimages are analyzed. As a result, when it is predicted that the user 60is approaching the image processing apparatus 10 (YES in step S106 or“S2Y”), power is supplied to the recognition camera 30.

FIG. 12C illustrates a state in which the user 60 (drawn with solidlines) is facing the UI touch panel 216 (YES in step S114 or “S3Y” andYES in step S118 or “S4Y”). Capturing of an image of a face is executedby using the recognition camera 30.

FIGS. 13A to 13E illustrate a transition diagram of power supply statesof the person presence sensor 28, access camera 29, and recognitioncamera 30 in the case where the user 60 changes its course afterentering the detection area F of the person presence sensor 28.

FIG. 13A is the same as FIG. 12A, and FIG. 13B is the same as FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13C illustrates a state in which the user 60 (drawn with solidlines) has approached the image processing apparatus 10 once afterentering the detection area F of the person presence sensor 28 (YES instep S106 or “S2Y”), but later changes its course and is not movingtoward the image processing apparatus 10 (NO in step S114 or “S3N”).

However, FIG. 11D illustrates a state in which the user 60 (drawn withsolid lines) has changed its course again (YES in step S114 or “S3Y”)and is facing the UI touch panel 216 and power is supplied to therecognition camera 30 (YES in step S118 or “S4Y”).

In contrast, FIG. 13E illustrates a state that continues from the stateillustrated in FIG. 13C. FIG. 13E illustrates a state in which the user60 (drawn with solid lines) has left the detection area F of the personpresence sensor 28 and power supply to the access camera 29 is shut off(NO in step S106 or “S2N”).

FIGS. 14A to 14F illustrate various actions of the user 60, includingthe ones illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 13E.

FIG. 14A is the same as FIG. 12A, and FIG. 14B is the same as FIG. 12B.

FIG. 14C illustrates a state in which the user 60 (drawn with solidlines) has approached the image processing apparatus 10 after beingdetected by the person presence sensor 28 (YES in step S114 or “S3Y”)but power is not supplied to the recognition camera 30 because the user60 has moved toward a position different from the position at which theuser 60 faces the UI touch panel 216 (NO in step S118 or “S4N”). In thiscase, the user 60 may leave the detection area F of the person presencesensor 28.

Here, when the user 60 stops moving, the person presence sensor 28 doesnot detect the user 60; however, the access camera 29 may stillrecognize presence of the user 60. Furthermore, even when the user 60(drawn with solid lines) moves to the left on the sheet in FIG. 14C andleaves the detection area F of the person presence sensor 28, the accesscamera 29 may recognize presence of the user 60 in the detection area R.

FIG. 14D illustrates a state in which the user 60 (drawn with solidlines) has moved from the position illustrated in FIG. 14C and is facingthe UI touch panel 216 (YES in step S118 or “S4Y”).

FIG. 14E illustrate a state in which the user 60 (drawn with solidlines) has moved from the position illustrated in FIG. 14C and has leftthe detection area F of the person presence sensor 28 (NO in step S114or “S3N” and then NO in step S106 or “S2N”).

FIG. 14F illustrates a state in which the user 60 (drawn with solidlines) has moved from the position illustrated in FIG. 14C, has left thedetection area F of the person presence sensor 28 as illustrated in FIG.14E, and then has made a U-turn and is facing the UI touch panel 216(YES in step S106 or “S2Y”, YES in step S114 or “S3Y”, and then YES instep S118 or “S4Y”).

Note that the action patterns illustrated in FIG. 12A to 14F are justexamples. The power supply control performed in such a manner that theperson presence sensor 28, the access camera 29, and the recognitioncamera 30 cooperate with each other is not limited to the actionpatterns illustrated in FIG. 12A to 14F and may be applied to variousaction patterns of a moving object. Moreover, the power supply controlmay also be performed in a case where, in addition to the user 60illustrated in FIG. 12A to 14F, there is a moving object that passesnear the user 60 or plural users are approaching the image processingapparatus 10 simultaneously.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the detection area F of the personpresence sensor 28, the detection area R of the access camera 29, andthe detection area La of the recognition camera 30 are used for theimage processing apparatus 10. In the case where a moving object (theuser 60) is approaching the image processing apparatus 10 while theimage processing apparatus 10 is in the sleep mode, the person presencesensor 28, the access camera 29, and the recognition camera 30 cooperatewith each other. As a result, before the user 60 faces the UI touchpanel 216 of the image processing apparatus 10, devices of the imageprocessing apparatus 10 that are necessary for operation receive powerand are made to be in a state in which the necessary devices are readyfor operation (that is, the image processing apparatus 10 is in thestandby mode) with minimum power supply.

The detection area R of the access camera 29 is broader than thedetection area F of the person presence sensor 28. Thus, even when amoving object (the user 60) moves into the dead-angle area of the personpresence sensor 28 after the person presence sensor 28 detects the user60, the movement of the user 60 may be recognized assuredly (forexample, the direction in which the user 60 is moving may be predicted).

The present exemplary embodiment includes the following examples.

EXAMPLE 1

Central control is performed by the main controller 200 for devices suchas the image forming unit 240, the image reading unit 238, the facsimilecommunication control circuit 236, the UI touch panel 216, and the like.The image processing apparatus 10 has a partial power saving functionthrough which devices that are not being used and the main controller200 are individually made to enter a sleep state.

EXAMPLE 2

Instead of a pyroelectric type sensor, which is used as the first sensor28, a two-dimensional arrangement heat-source detector or a reflectiontype detector may be used. The two-dimensional arrangement heat-sourcedetector is given pixelated configuration by two-dimensionally arrangingplural heat-source detection elements that output an electric signalbased on at least heat quantity received from a heat source. Thereflection type detector detects whether there is a moving object in adetection area. Moreover, plural different types of sensors may be usedtogether.

EXAMPLE 3

The following analysis techniques (a) to (c) may be used as techniquesto realize the function of the access camera 29.

(a) Distance to the user is determined in accordance with a change inthe area of a detected person.

(b) Even when a captured image is a still image, a face of a person isspecified in the still image and the direction in which the person ismoving (the vector) is predicted in accordance with the orientation ofthe face.

(c) When capturing of images is performed at plural different locations,differences in position coordinates are analyzed.

Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, the image processingapparatuses 10 are used as targets for which power supply control isperformed. However, targets are not limited to the image processingapparatuses 10. Processing apparatuses for which power supply control isexecuted in accordance with the type of moving object (a user or anon-user), predicted movement of a moving object, and a movement historyof the moving object may also be targets of the present exemplaryembodiment. Examples of such processing apparatuses are vendingmachines, security systems for buildings, ticket vending machines,automatic ticket gates, and the like.

In this case, there may be a case in which a person recognitionapparatus described below is necessary. The person recognition apparatusincludes a detector that detects a moving object, a first imagecapturing unit that captures a specific-area image of a specific areaincluding a predicted course of the moving object at the time when thedetector detects the moving object, a second image capturing unit towhich power is supplied in the case where it is confirmed that themoving object is approaching the person recognition apparatus inaccordance with information of the specific-area image captured by thefirst image capturing unit and that captures a characteristic image ofthe moving object, and an identity recognition unit that performsidentity recognition in accordance with information of thecharacteristic image captured by the second image capturing unit.

Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, “face authentication” isconsidered to be a result of “face recognition”. That is, the “facerecognition” is not limited to the “face authentication”. For example,performing of the “face recognition” includes a service in which afacial expression (for example, smile or wink) is recognized and amessage or the like that is appropriate for the facial expression isdisplayed on an image displayed on the UI touch panel 216. Moreover, inface recognition, speech may be analyzed by recognizing movement oflips.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modificationsand variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, therebyenabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power supply control apparatus for a printingdevice, the power supply control apparatus comprising: a transition unitconfigured to make an apparatus that includes processing units enter apower supply state or a power shutoff state, power being selectivelysupplied to the processing units in the power supply state; a detectorconfigured to detect a moving object while the apparatus is in the powershutoff state; a first image capturing unit that includes a sensor witha camera function, the first image capturing unit being configured tocapture images of a specific area at a time when the detector detectsthe moving object; a command unit configured to command the transitionunit to make the apparatus enter the power supply state in a case whereit is determined that the moving object is approaching the apparatus inaccordance with image information of the images captured by the firstimage capturing unit, and to command the transition unit to make theapparatus exit the power supply state in a case where it is determinedthat the moving object is not approaching the apparatus in accordancewith image information of the images captured by the first imagecapturing unit; a second image capturing unit configured to capture acharacteristic image of the moving object that is approaching theapparatus; and an identity recognition unit configured to performidentity recognition for the moving object in accordance with imageinformation of the characteristic image captured by the second imagecapturing unit.
 2. The power system control apparatus according to claim1, wherein, in response to the detector detecting movement of the movingobject in a predetermined detection area, power is supplied to the firstimage capturing unit.
 3. The power supply control apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein, in response the first image capturing unit detectingthat the moving object is approaching, power is supplied to the secondimage capturing unit.
 4. A printing device comprising: a power supplycontroller configured to individually make apparatuses enter a powersupply state or a power shutoff state, the apparatuses including: aprocessing section configured to execute specific processing uponreceiving power, an interface section configured to receive operationcommand information for the processing section and transmit stateinformation regarding the processing section; and a managementcontroller configured to manages the processing section and theinterface section in such a manner that operation of the processingsection cooperates with operation of the interface section; a detectorto which power supply is continued by the power supply controller evenin a case where all the apparatuses are made to enter the power shutoffstate by the power supply controller, that the detector being configuredto detect movement of a moving object in a predetermined detection area;a determination unit that includes a first image capturing section, thefirst image capturing section including a sensor with a camera functionand being included in the apparatuses, the first image capturing sectionbeing configured to capture images of a specific area upon receivingpower that starts to be supplied at a time when the detector detectsthat a moving object has entered the detection area, to determinewhether or not the moving object is a user who is approaching theprocessing section or the interface section in accordance with imageinformation of the images captured by the first image capturing section,and to cause, in response to determining that the moving object is auser who is not approaching the processing section or the interfacesection, the first image capturing section to stop receiving power; anidentity recognition unit that includes a second image capturingsection, the second image capturing section being configured to capturea characteristic image of the moving object upon receiving power thatstarts to be supplied at a time when it is determined by thedetermination unit that the moving object is a user who is approachingthe processing section or the interface section, and to perform identityrecognition for the user in accordance with image information of thecharacteristic image captured by the second image capturing section; anda specification unit configured to specify a management control mannerfor operation of at least the interface section in accordance with aresult of the identity recognition performed by the identity recognitionunit, the management controller being configured to perform managementcontrol in the management control manner.
 5. A non-transitory computerreadable medium storing a program causing a computer to execute aprocess for controlling power supplied to a printing device, the processcomprising: capturing images of a specific area, by using a first imagecapturing unit that includes a sensor with a camera function, at a timewhen a moving object is detected in a case where a system that includesprocessing units is in a power shutoff state, power being selectivelysupplied to the processing units when the system is in a power supplystate; making the system enter the power supply state in a case where itis determined, in accordance with image information of the capturedimages of the specific area, that the moving object is approaching thesystem; making the system exit the power supply state in a case where itis determined, in accordance with image information of the capturedimages of the specific area, that the moving object is not approachingthe system; capturing a characteristic image of the moving object thatis approaching the system, by using a second image capturing unit; andexecuting an identity recognition function in accordance with imageinformation of the captured characteristic image.
 6. A power supplycontrol method for a printing device, the power supply control methodcomprising: making a control target that includes processing units entera power supply state or a power shutoff state, power being selectivelysupplied to the processing units in the power supply state; detecting amoving object by using a detector while the system is in the powershutoff state; capturing images of a specific area, by using a firstimage capturing unit that includes a sensor with a camera function, at atime when the detector detects the moving object; making the systementer the power supply state in a case where it is determined that themoving object is approaching the system in accordance with imageinformation of the images captured by the first image capturing unit;making the system exit the power supply state in a case where it isdetermined, in accordance with image information of the captured imagesof the specific area, that the moving object is not approaching thesystem; capturing a characteristic image of the moving object that isapproaching the system, by using a second image capturing unit; andperforming identity recognition for the moving object in accordance withimage information of the characteristic image captured by the secondimage capturing unit.